Get on the Ball with Catholic Health

Retired professional football players may be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, but everyone should take steps to learn their health risks to avoid being sidelined with a serious health condition.

Catholic Health, in conjunction with the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, is sponsoring “Get on the Ball!” a free health screening program for retired NFL players and the general public on Saturday, February 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mercy Comprehensive Care Center at 397 Louisiana Street in Buffalo.

Along with area residents, retired NFL players living in Western New York and neighboring states have been invited to participate in the screening program.

The event will include a variety of free health screenings, informational displays, and an autograph table featuring former NFL players.

Health Screenings

Physicians from Cardiology Group of WNY and Advanced Cardiology Group will provide cardiac screening services.

The free health screenings will include tests for:

heart disease,

vascular disease,

prostate cancer,

diabetes,

cholesterol,

blood pressure,

body composition, and

strength and flexibility.

The vascular screenings, which include tests for Carotid Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, and Peripheral Arterial Disease, are restricted to individuals over age 50, who have had one or more of the following medical conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of heart disease, previous heart or leg treatments, and prior stroke. The tests are painless and take about an hour to complete.

Cardiovascular disease remains under-diagnosed in the United States, despite its potential for serious health complications like heart attack, stroke, loss of limbs and even death. Millions of older Americans suffer from some type of heart or circulatory condition, but often, there are no warning signs and these conditions can go undetected until a serious health conditions develops.

The Mercy Comprehensive Care Center is located a half-mile from the Buffalo Creek Casino.

Registration

Appointments are required for the cardiovascular and prostate cancer screenings. All other screenings and activities, including the autograph signing, are open to all.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment for this special health screening event, “Get on the Ball” by contacting Catholic Health’s HealthConnection at (716) 706-2112.